Arizona father-daughter pilot first flight together

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An Arizona father and daughter were on Cloud 9 when they realized a lifelong dream, piloting their first Southwest Airlines flight together.

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MacKenzie Rennhack recently joined Southwest Airlines and celebrated by flying with her dad, Michael, people.com reported, citing a Facebook post from the airline.

MacKenzie was also joined on the special flight by her mom, brother and fiance.

According to the airline, Mackenzie, a first officer, “always knew she wanted to be a pilot,” even going as far as to dress up as her dad for elementary school.

“Once gifted a ‘discovery flight’ (a short introductory flight for those interested in taking the first step toward earning their pilot’s license), Mackenzie knew she was meant to fly,” the airline wrote on Facebook.

MacKenzie went to Arizona State University and enrolled in the Southwest Airlines Destination 225° Pilot Pathways Program. The program helps those enrolled to achieve their pilot dreams “no matter your flight experience, current career, or education,” the Southwest website said.

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Michael told local ABC affiliate KNXV-TV that his daughter has “always been the overachiever.”

“A 110% isn’t good enough, she’ll get a little bit better, she’ll push a little bit harder,” he added.

Their first flight went smoothly, but the father-daughter duo did suggest there was one thing they found strange.

“The weirdest thing was figuring out what to call you,” she told KNXV-TV with a laugh, explaining that she had a few options to cycle through: “It’s like, captain, Mike, dad.”

Ending their post on a celebratory note, Southwest Airlines sweetly wrote, “Welcome aboard, First Officer Mackenzie; we’re so glad you’re here!”

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